Man accused of school threats moved to secure unit

A 30-year-old man from Exeter accused of sending malicious communications to local schools has been transferred to a secure hospital from a jail, where he was being held on remand during legal proceedings.

Alfie Pilkington, of Redlands Close, Exeter, had been remanded into custody after being charged with two counts of sending malicious communications on social media on two days in April.

Exeter Crown Court heard the allegations concerned threats to go to a local nursery and other educational establishments near his home to kill children.

A judge has ordered a mental health assessment of the defendant, who did not appear before the court. The case has been adjourned until July.

Pilkington has been transferred from HMP Bristol to the Langdon secure hospital in Dawlish.

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